The Abbotsford Film Society (AFS) screens Speed Racer, directed by the Wachowskis (The Matrix), on Friday, Nov. 29.
AFS president Aaron Dawson said the film is a little unusual for the society, given its mandate to screen movies that are not typically big-budget Hollywood films.
“It does fit our mandate by being an incredibly artistic, creative, ground-breaking film that has an auteur’s vision behind it,” Dawson said.
Described as a sports action comedy, the 2008 film is based on the manga series created by Tatsuo Yoshida.
It has a star-studded cast, including Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and others.
The story follows a young man named Speed Racer whose family owns Racer Motors. Speed follows his brother’s car racing career but runs into difficulties when he refuses a contract from a rival company. What ensues is an action-packed, wild ride of a film that blends live action with animation.
Dawson said the film is going through a cultural and critical reappraisal and is beginning to get the recognition that it deserves.
“People are seeing the film for what it was intended to be,” he said. “At the time, it went against the trend of comic-book realism – like what we saw in the Dark Knight, which opened the same year. Speed Racer embraces the anime aesthetic and doesn’t apologize for not looking realistic.”
The Wachowskis took advantage of the freedom that technology gave them and used it to its fullest potential. Stylistically, it is like watching a video collage and while it tells a story in a linear narrative way, visually it breaks with tradition.
Dawson encourages families and film lovers to come and experience this film.
“Speed Racer is a heart-warming, family story; a beautiful narrative for following your passion,” he said.
The film will be shown at The Banquet Room (3471 Clearbrook Rd.). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the film starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $7 at the door or in advance at abbotsfordfilmsociety.com.
